Top 5 In 2014: Breakout Performers in Philadelphia Sports (Slideshow)

Nov 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Flyers right wing Jakub Voracek (93) during pre game warm ups before a game against the New York Rangers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

1.) RW Jakub Voracek – Flyers

I swear this selection isn’t based off the fact that I really like hockey and not everyone else feels the same way. Jakub Voracek has emerged as one of the few superstar-caliber athletes in the city and he has done so while everyone else was paying attention to his already superstar-established linemate, Claude Giroux. Voracek has emerged as the crowned jewel of the infamous deals that sent Mike Richards and Jeff Carter out of Philadelphia. That’s not to say that Sean Couturier, Brayden Schenn, and Wayne Simmonds haven’t become vital pieces in the team’s young offensive corps. Voracek just happens to be a cut above and looks as if he’ll only continue to improve.

Coming off a respectable 62-point campaign in 2013-2014, Voracek apparently decided to ramp up his offseason regiment in a big way. The 25-year-old Czech native improved his nutrition and fitness while building up his lean frame. While he never came off as out-of-shape or overmatched on the ice, Voracek’s work leading up to the 2014-2015 campaign is paying off in a big way.

One of the frustrating things about watching Voracek prior to this season was seeing the flashes of brilliance that reminded some of a young Jaromir Jagr. It is perhaps this emphasis on strength and conditioning that has allowed Voracek to turn flashes of greatness into consistent greatness. He leads the league in assists (32) and points (14) and has done so while Giroux sits just five points behind him, tied for 3rd in the league in points with 41.

Voracek already has 15 multi-point outings this season, including a pair of four-point nights. He has a game where he tallied four assists and a ten-game point streak already this season. All one has to do is watch Voracek to see the greatness finally breaking through. He seems bigger and stronger but still has not lost a single step in what was already the most impressive element of his game: speed. With Kimmo Timonen no longer on the power play, Voracek has helped carry the playmaking load along with Giroux and Mark Streit. He is a fierce competitor and there are very few games where he is not actively engaged every time he steps on the ice.

Voracek has also been the subject of one of the most entertaining Philadelphia sports viral videos. Take a look:

Smart kid.

Voracek is just 16 points shy of his career high in points and has reached that mark in less than half a season. He is part of the most formidable line in the NHL and has managed to take some of the pressure off of Giroux as far as being the team’s primary playmaker and go-to scoring option. What makes watching Voracek so exciting is that it’s tough to find a ceiling for just how good he can actually be. He is only 25 years old and still has elements of his game (shooting, two-way play) that could use some fine-tuning. I firmly believe Voracek will be looked upon as one of the elite forwards in hockey by the time this season ends and could be the first Flyer to lead the NHL in points since Eric Lindros finished tied with Jaromir Jagr with 70 during the strike-shortened 1994-1995 season. We should all take a page out of that kid’s book when we strive to be like Voracek, my choice for Philadelphia’s 2014 Breakout Athlete.